Knoxville, Tennessee, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The University of Tennessee has been awarded a $5 million federal grant to conduct research on advanced steels for the U.S. Navy. In collaboration with Mississippi State University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the three-year project will focus on improving military-grade steel production, welding techniques, and material performance for naval applications. The initiative aims to enhance national security and boost domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Knoxville, Tennessee – The University of Tennessee (UT) has secured a $5 million federal grant to embark on a significant three-year research project focused on developing advanced steels for use by the U.S. Navy. This financial backing, offered by the Naval Surface Warfare Center and the Office of Naval Research, aims to bolster the country’s defense capabilities through innovative advancements in metallurgy and manufacturing.
The initiative will see a collaborative effort between UT and Mississippi State University, marking a pivotal movement towards enhancing the production of military-grade steel essential for building submarines and ship hulls. Assistant Professor Eric Lass, from UT’s Tickle College of Engineering, outlines the project’s objective as rejuvenating the nation’s capacity to produce high-quality steel that matches the rigorous requirements of military applications.
The research will focus primarily on several key areas, including advanced welding techniques, strengthening mechanisms, and wire arc additive manufacturing. The team also plans to create new steel compositions designed to exhibit superior performance characteristics for naval applications. Oak Ridge National Laboratory will serve as a vital partner throughout the research endeavors, highlighting the collaborative nature of this initiative.
Research efforts are set to begin at the University of Tennessee and Mississippi State, with later phases transitioning to the Rapid Applied Materials Processing lab located on Navy property at President’s Island in Memphis. The project has a structured timeline, with the first year dedicated to wire production and multipass welding techniques in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The second year will focus on the development of novel wire compositions, while the final year will aim to leverage the technology to join plates made from the newly developed steels.
Mississippi State University will contribute by developing stronger and lighter steel plates and applying data science expertise to support the project. Lass emphasizes the necessity of advancing metallurgical practices to ensure that the capabilities of steel manufacturing are not left behind in the evolving landscape of manufacturing innovation.
The overarching aim of this project is to facilitate pilot industrial upscaling of new steel technologies, which could enhance national security provisions. As noted by UT’s Director of National Security Research Initiatives, James Andes, the research initiatives include objectives that may broaden the applicability of welding and joining materials beyond just naval use, promoting domestic production capabilities.
This grant and the ensuing research project come as part of a larger strategy to elevate the United States’ defense infrastructure, particularly amid growing global competition in advanced manufacturing and materials science. By investing in this critical area of research and development, the University of Tennessee and its partners are positioned to play a significant role in not only securing the technology needed for military applications but also contributing to the profitability and sustainability of the domestic manufacturing industry.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the $5 million federal grant awarded to the University of Tennessee?
The grant is aimed at developing advanced steels for the U.S. Navy, focusing on improving manufacturing processes, metallurgy, and welding techniques over three years.
Which institutions are involved in the research collaboration?
The research partnership involves the University of Tennessee, Mississippi State University, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
What specific research areas will the project focus on?
The project will focus on welding techniques, strength mechanisms, wire arc additive manufacturing, and developing new steel compositions.
How does this project impact national security?
By enhancing the production of military-grade steel, the project aims to strengthen national defense and promote domestic manufacturing capabilities which have broader applications beyond naval uses.
Key Features of the Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding | $5 million grant from Naval Surface Warfare Center and Office of Naval Research |
| Duration | Three years |
| Key Partners | University of Tennessee, Mississippi State University, Oak Ridge National Laboratory |
| Research Focus | Welding techniques, wire arc additive manufacturing, and new steel compositions |
| Objectives | Enhance military steel production and national security, promote domestic production capabilities |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: UT Knoxville Secures $5M for Navy Steel Research
- Knox News: UT Knoxville Plans Research Growth Amid Funding Cuts
- Tennessee Lookout: UT System Loses $37.7M in Federal Grants
- Google Search: University Tennessee Navy steel research
- Wikipedia: Steel
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
